RELIQUARY, RELIC OF SAINT MATTHIAS

Rare silver reliquary with a facade containing the relic of Saint Matthias.

The relic is fixed on a silk background and decorated with silver threads, it is identified in Latin on a handwritten label as: S. Mathiae. Ap. ("Sancti Mathiae Apostoli", or "Saint Matthias the Apostle").

Good used condition with its original glass.

Not opened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 4 cm X 3.3 cm
SIZE : 1.6" X 1.2"

Saint Matthias was the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal. His election is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (1:15-26), where the disciples cast lots between him and another candidate. Few details are known about his life and ministry, but tradition describes him as a fervent preacher of the Gospel. He is said to have evangelized in Judea and perhaps in Ethiopia or Cappadocia. He is said to have died a martyr, either by stoning or beheading. The Church celebrates him on May 14 in the West and on August 9 in the East. He is the patron saint of engineers and butchers.